And yet many Americans have never learned basic cooking skills, typically only confident in heating food, rather than from scratch cooking. That leaves them susceptible to the chronic diseases excessive sugar, salt, and the wrong kinds of fat consumption can lead to.

So, on this cozy winter weekend, take charge of your kitchen and cook up a storm. Start with a simple pot of brown rice, roast a whole organic chicken. Add a green salad and steamed frozen vegetables topped with butter and Parmesan for the kids. Bake our Vegan Chocolate Chunk Muffins and freeze some to send to school during the week.